USA Packing

Pack lightly: Lay out only what you absolutely need, then take half the clothes and twice the money. The Travelite FAQ (www.travelite.org) is a good resource for tips on traveling light. The online Universal Packing List (http://upl.codeq.info) will generate a customized list of suggested items based on your trip length, the expected climate, your planned activities, and other factors. If you plan to do a lot of hiking, also consult The Great Outdoors. Some frequent travelers keep a bag packed with all the essentials: passport, money belt, hat, socks, etc. Then, when they decide to leave, they know they haven’t forgotten anything.

Luggage: If you plan to cover most of your itinerary by foot, a sturdy frame backpack is unbeatable. (For the basics to keep in mind when buying a pack,) Toting a suitcase or trunk is fine if you plan to live in one or two cities and explore from there, but not a great idea if you plan to move around frequently. In addition to your main piece of luggage, a daypack (a small backpack or courier bag) is useful.
Clothing: No matter when you’re traveling, it’s a good idea to bring a warm jacket or wool sweater, a rain jacket (Gore-Tex® is both waterproof and breathable), sturdy shoes or hiking boots, and thick socks. Flip-flops or waterproof sandals are must-haves for grubby hostel showers, and extra socks are always a good idea. You may also want a few outfits for going out, and maybe a nicer pair of shoes. If you plan to visit religious or cultural sites, remember that you will need modest and respectful dress.
Sleepsack: Some hostels require that you either provide your own linen or rent sheets from them. Save cash by making your own sleepsack: fold a full-size sheet in half the long way, then sew it closed along the long side and one of the short sides.
Converters and Adapters: In the US, electricity is 120 volts AC, which is incompatible with the 220/240V appliances found in most other countries. Appliances from anywhere outside North America will need an adapter (which changes the shape of the plug, $5) and a converter (which changes the voltage, $10-30). Australians and New Zealanders (who use 230V at home) won’t need a converter, but will need an adapter. For more on all things adaptable, check out http://kropla.com/electric.htm.
Toiletries: Toiletries are readily available in supermarkets and pharmacies, but it may be hard to find your preferred brand; bring extras. Contact lenses are likely to be expensive and difficult to find, so bring enough extra pairs and solution for your entire trip. Bring your glasses and a copy of your prescription in case you need emergency replacements.
First-Aid Kit: For a basic first-aid kit, pack bandages, a pain reliever, antibiotic cream, a thermometer, a multifunction pocketknife, tweezers, moleskin, decongestant, motion-sickness remedy, diarrhea or upset-stomach medication (Pepto Bismol® or Imodium®), an antihistamine, sunscreen, insect repellent, burn ointment, and an epinephrine kit (EpiPen®) in case of severe allergic reactions.
Film: Buying film and developing it in the US can be expensive (about $13 for a roll of 24 color exposures), so consider bringing enough film for your entire trip. Less serious photographers may want to bring a disposable camera or two. Despite disclaimers, airport security X-rays can fog film, so buy a lead-lined pouch at a camera store or ask security to hand-inspect it. Always pack film in your carry-on luggage, since higher-intensity X-rays are used on checked luggage. If you don’t want to bother with film, consider using a digital camera. Although a steep initial investment, a digital camera means you never have to buy film again. Bring along a large enough memory card and extra batteries. For more on digital cameras, visit www.shortcourses.com/choosing/contents.htm.
Other Useful Items: For safety purposes, bring a money belt and a small padlock. Basic outdoors equipment (plastic water bottle, compass, waterproof matches, pocketknife, sunglasses, sunscreen, hat) may also prove useful. Quick repairs of torn garments can be done on the road with a needle and thread; also consider bringing electrical tape for patching tears. If you want to do laundry by hand, bring detergent, a small rubber ball to stop up the sink, and string for a makeshift clothes line. Other things you’re liable to forget include: an umbrella, sealable plastic bags (for damp clothes, soap, food, shampoo, and other spillables), an alarm clock, safety pins, rubber bands, a flashlight, earplugs, garbage bags, and a small calculator. A cell phone can be a lifesaver (literally) on the road; see for information on acquiring one that will work in the US.
Important Documents: Don’t forget your passport, traveler’s checks, ATM and/or credit cards, adequate ID, and photocopies of all of the aforementioned in case these documents are lost or stolen. Also check that you have any of the following that might apply to you: a hosteling membership card; driver’s license; travel insurance forms (see ); ISIC, and/or rail or bus pass.